The Big Apple's iconic symbol is the latest Maize Maze creation by farmer Tom Pearcy in an 18-acre field just outside the city.

Measuring 1,300 feet long it is more than 10 times the size of the real thing and has been carved out of over one million living maize plants, to create an intricate maze for visitors to explore.

The York Maze was introduced five years ago as a means of farm diversification following the foot and mouth crisis, but this year's is on a new site near the Yorkshire Air Museum off Elvington Lane.

Mr Pearcy said: "We have invested over £1m in York Maze's move to its new location and put in lots of new attractions.

"As a 'new' York Maze it seemed appropriate to base this year's design on New York. I also wanted to mark the links between York and New York. The Statue of Liberty is an instantly recognisable image and makes a great maze."

The New York Maze was officially opened yesterday by Frank Sinatra impersonator Phil Fryer, of Morley, Leeds, who arrived in a yellow New York cab to treat the Press and children from Lord Deramores Primary School to a rendition of New York New York.

The Statue of Liberty on the approach to New York was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It is 111ft tall and weighs 225 tons.

Its restoration is being funded by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1982. It works in partnership with the National Park Service and US Department of the Interior.

The Foundation's President and Chief Executive, Stephen A. Briganti, said: "We are so pleased to see that the Statue of Liberty is being celebrated in such a unique way in York. "Lady Liberty stands as a symbol for all the people in the world, but it is especially gratifying to see her linking Old York with New York."

The York Maze site covers 45 acres including a tractor-trailer ride maze, a maze of illusions and crazy golf in a maze. The Statue of Liberty Maze is 18 acres - the size of eight football pitches and is thought to be one of the biggest in the world.

Mr Pearcy's investment includes a new sand and water play area, water wars game, jumping pillow, CornQuest interactive tractor-trailer ride in a maze, new shop and café.

It is open daily from Saturday until Sunday, September 7 from 10am to 6.30pm (last admission 4.30pm). Admission prices: Adult £7.95, Senior £7.45, Children three to five £6.95, Under 3s Free. Family of two adults and two children £28. More details »